UK weather: Deep freeze could last all month, Met Office warns, as snow and ice bring more travel disruption

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Soldiers go out on exercise near Stainmore on the Durham and Cumbria border during a blizzard, as snow is expected to fall in almost every part of the country in the coming daysCredit:
Owen Humphreys /PA

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Heavy snowfall and widespread ice have led to another day of travel disruption, amid warnings that Britain is set to be gripped by freezing weather all month.

As police forces told of treacherous driving conditions on Tuesday after the mercury plummeted further overnight, the Met Office said a "prolonged cold period" with below average temperatures was expected for "much of February and perhaps even into March".

What was predicted to be the UK's coldest week of the winter began with lows of -6C on Monday. Forecasters said temperatures will dip further on Tuesday night, with predicted lows of -14C before the weekend.

But he added: "The cold weather is likely to return as we go towards the weekend.

"Really much of February and perhaps even into March it is going to stay on the cold side, so temperatures generally below average, with further frosts and also the risk of rain, sleet and snow as well."

UK weather forecast for Tuesday and rest of week

1.5 m tonnes of salt stockpiled for icy conditions

The Local Government Association said 1.5 million tonnes of salt had been stockpiled in preparation for the icy conditions.

Transport spokesman councillor Martin Tett said: "Gritters will be out treating thousands of miles of roads as the big chill bites, and councils will be keeping people up-to-date about weather forecasts, road conditions and gritting activity."

A snow plough passes through heavy snow on the A66 in Durham on TuesdayCredit:
Owen Humphreys /PA

Mr Tett advised that people should look in on elderly and vulnerable neighbours who might need assistance in the cold weather.